Iran missiles, Iraq strikes revive West Asia war fears

Iran launched a barrage of missiles at American forces in the Middle East early Wednesday, while the US and Saudi Arabia carried out strikes on Tehran-backed militias in Iraq, in a sharp escalation after several days of relative calm. The overnight fighting killed at least 20 militia fighters in Iraq, while Jordan said it intercepted Iranian missiles aimed at a key US air base on its territory.

The flare-up raised the risk of a return to all-out war and underlined the difficulty of winding down the five-month conflict, which has shaken the world economy and is unpopular among Americans. It also added to concerns over US stockpiles of sophisticated munitions needed to defend its bases and allies.

Mediators had earlier voiced hope of bringing Washington and Tehran back to the negotiating table, but an interim agreement collapsed in recent weeks over renewed fighting in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, a Fox News reporter said on air that he had spoken to President Donald Trump, who, using a series of vulgarities, said the US would 'hit back hard' in response to the Iranian attacks.